Novozymes, a $2-billion Danish biotech company, sees huge opportunities in India to expand its enzymes base in food and detergent applications.

At present, the company is active in enzymes in the detergents, food, alcohol, textile, beverages and biofuel sectors.

“India is unique as most of the laundry is hand-wash. We have developed unique stain pallets for India and a unique way of presenting results to the customers. All these things are being locally adapted,” Novozymes CEO Peder Holk Nielsen told Business Line .

In detergents, enzymes help reduce the use of chemicals, water consumption for rinsing of clothes and the effort required in scrubbing.

To expand its enzyme footprint in India, the company has strengthened its innovation centre in Bangalore. “We are leveraging local people in India who can work with customers to innovate,” Nielsen explained.

Novozymes acquired Biocon’s enzymes business in 2007. “After the acquisition, we were able to add a good number of clients in the textiles, alcohol, beverages and food sectors. We also have plans to migrate our clients to second-generation enzymes,” he said.

Bio-agriculture

He further said the company is exploring bio-agriculture in the country. “For us, bio-agriculture presents a huge opportunity here, for we have products which can increase the yield or reduce use of chemicals,” Nielsen said.

Novozymes has been growing at over 20 per cent annually in India, topping the chart among emerging markets. “I can safely vouch that India is probably among our top five markets at the moment,” said Nielsen.

>anil.u@thehindu.co.in

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